The University of Louisiana Monroe’s School of Construction Management was recently ranked No. 6 in the “50 Best Value Schools for Construction Management 2016” list by BestValueSchools.com.

ULM’s program ranked higher than institutions such as Clemson University (No. 8), Indiana State University (no. 13), Appalachian State University (no. 15), and Louisiana State University (No. 19).

The methodology used by the polling agency focused on factors an average student looks for, such as affordability, high-quality curriculum, and opportunities for student involvement, as well as the program’s accreditations, degree popularity, enrollment, and graduate rate.

BestValueSchools.com described ULM as an intimate educational environment that provides enormous opportunity, focusing on three major areas within the program: benefits that come with the small programs, scholarship opportunities of more than $10,000, and the program’s 100 percent job placement rate and top starting salaries for recent graduates.

Dr. Edward Brayton, Director of the School of Construction Management, said that ULM’s Construction Management graduates continue to be placed in positions throughout the globe.

“It is an honor that our program has been ranked number six in the United States,” said Brayton. “Most people don’t know that we were the first Construction Management Program in the United States to be accredited by the American Council for Construction Education. Our Construction Management graduates continue to be placed in positions throughout the globe.”

Founded in 1966, the program that celebrated its 50th anniversary in April 2016 is committed to being the premier institution of construction in the State of Louisiana.

The construction management program at ULM trains its students in the fields of commercial, residential, highway/bridge, heavy industrial, utility and civil works construction.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics points to a big upswing in the demand for experienced, qualified constructors over the next decade. In fact, the numbers indicate that there will not be enough Construction Management graduates to meet expected growth. Through the year of 2024, the predictions are that 1,028 positions will go unfilled each year.

“We will strive to be the best construction management program for our students, their employers and the construction industry,” said Brayton.